Our Class, Our Voice - Gina Ruffcorn

Students are our future. Our world will be in their hands very soon. What can we do today to prepare them for that responsibility?

Let them practice having autonomy and choice. Now. In our classes.

Our Class, Our Voice shares practical ideas to help students make decisions and own responsibility by practicing it daily in small ways. Veteran teacher Gina Ruffcorn shares tips, ideas, strategies and stories from her own classroom where her students run the show. Classroom jobs. Surveys. Voting. They're all small steps toward the ambitious goal of prepared citizens of the future.

You can do it together. You and your students. Our class. Our voice.

I was in Gina's sixth-grade reading class. I remember the first time we walked into class Gina was standing there at the front of the class and greeted us as we walked in. Gina has done this for as long as I can remember. Even if she's grading papers, she will stop and look up to greet you in some welcoming manner, usually with a big, warm, "Hello Darling, how are ya?" You just felt welcome anytime you walked into the room and that feeling just made me, personally, want to be there full time. Whenever there was a lesson to be taught to some rowdy fifth and sixth graders, you could leave it to Gina to find a way to keep those kids entertained. Gina just has that special personality that you can't help but be peppy and ready to tackle the day with some enthusiasm. Gina was an overwhelming positive influence on every one. I can personally say that the things she taught me then and even now, have definitely shaped me into the man I am today. Jaden O. Class of 2018 West Harrison CSD

I had Ms. Ruffcorn for two years, fifth and sixth grade. I loved when we were done reading Hatchet we made the posters of the stuff Brian was able to use to survive. I also loved reading and watching The Outsiders! I actually have a quote from the movie tattooed on my arm!

 I was able to be myself in her classroom and we were always comfortable with her seating options! I feel like compared to other classrooms we were able to explore the things we enjoyed and she always made things fun. Ms. Ruffcorn also never took crap from anyone and I loved that. She will forever and always be one of my favorite teachers! Allison H Class of 2018 West Harrison CSD